Infestations of rodents in rental houses sometimes lead to disputes between tenants and landlords about who is liable for extermination. As a landlord, you have some duty to prevent rodents from entering the building, but the tenants also have some obligations in this area.
Who Is Responsible?
Typically, it falls on the landlord to handle any issues related to pest and rodent control. Since rodent management is generally considered part of routine property maintenance, the burden of responsibility will rest on the Landlord.
As a landlord, you never want rodents to overrun your property, tenant or no tenant. Rats can depreciate the property value and wreak havoc on the structure. Therefore you will need to eliminate them promptly.
What To Do As A Landlord?
If a tenant currently resides in the building and you believe the problem may be their fault, fix the issue without arguing with them first. Obtain rat control services on-site, and then determine who will be responsible for paying once the original problem has been resolved and examine the rental agreement. If you haven’t included anything in the agreement on rodent management, you must comply with state law.
To guarantee that you stand up to your half of the bargain and offer preventative measures, be sure to repair any leaky water sources regularly. Also, monitor the property, keep an eye out for rodent problems, and ensure that garbage and recycling services are reliable and well-maintained.
What To Do As A Tenant?
If a renter fails to take out the trash regularly or leaves food and windows open, an exterminator can determine the root of the problem and communicate it to the tenant and the landlord.
As a renter, you should report any property damage or leaks, as these conditions might attract rodents. If you fail to disclose a noticeable problem to your landlord and the exterminator decides that it was the source of the rat infestation, you may be held responsible for the cost of rodent control.
What To Do If A Tenant Says They Have Infestations
Review Your Lease Contract
The lease should always specify who is responsible for rodent management. Landlords put a rodent treatment provision in their rental agreement to assess obligation.
Protect Your Assets
A good landlord won’t leave seasonal rodent control to the renter since they may not be satisfied. Completing rodent prevention treatments is crucial to keep your investment safe.
Provide Evidence For The cause
If the landlord can prove the renter caused the infestation, they may charge them for pest control. Set up an inspection and give the renter notice. Photograph the surroundings since they might be the cause of the infestation.
The best action for both sides is to include a discussion about rodents or pests and the reliability of the rodent control service in the lease. Without such a provision, a Landlord may be held liable, even if the tenant is at fault.
Regardless of your side, the best course of action is to take measures to head off any issues in the first place, so contact Facility Pest Control now! We will handle all rodent’s problems and pest issues. Just dial (818) 521-6892 and be free from rodent infestation.
